I did
not need to encroach on his kindness, however, for my uncle, hearing of
my illness, sent me a cordial invitation to spend some time with him.
In his cottage, far away from London, strength at last returned to me,
and by the autumn my old place in Mr. Craven's office was no longer
vacant. I sat in my accustomed corner, pursuing former avocations, a
changed man.
I was hard-working as ever, but hope lightened my road no longer.
To a penny I knew the amount of my lady's fortune, and understood Mr.
Harringford's bequest had set her as far above me as the stars are above
the earth.
I had the conduct of most of Miss Elmsdale's business. As a compliment,
perhaps, Mr. Craven entrusted all the work connected with Mr.
Harringford's estate to me, and I accepted that trust as I should have
done any other which he might choose to place in my hands.
But I could have dispensed with his well-meant kindness. Every visit I
paid to Miss Blake filled my soul with bitterness. Had I been a porter,
a crossing-sweeper, or a potman, she might, I suppose, have treated me
with some sort of courtesy; but, as matters stood, her every tone, word,
and look, said, plainly as possible, "If you do not know your station, I
will teach it to you."
As for Helena, she was always the same--sweet, and kind, and grateful,
and gracious; but she had her friends about her: new lovers waiting for
her smiles.
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